The Sharks have been dealt a hammer blow on the eve of the new Super Rugby season with the news that prop Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira will be sidelined for three months with an ankle injury.

The Springboks international cracked the fibia bone in his right ankle during a training ground clash with captain Keegan Daniel. The 26-year-old loose-head has since undergone surgery to insert a screw into his ankle and is likely to miss the first eight games of the season.

"Obviously it is a blow," said coach John Plumtree. "He is a seasoned Springbok and a big part of our plans. We will first look inwards at our squad depth before considering recruitment. We have some nice talent coming through in the front row department."

The Sharks open their Super Rugby campaign against the three-time champion Bulls in Pretoria on February 24.